On Friday I spoke briefly at a gathering about the importance of volunteerism. A speaker came and showed a video about student activism in the early days of the civil rights movements. Equating activism then to now, I stated that it's more important than ever. Many young people are forming grassroots movements across the world. I aminvolved in a grassroots movement to create independent media that addresses the needs of poor and working men and women. I am flirting with the thought of creating something for transgender people.
Gennee
Genee,
I say "Good!" There is a gathering going on here called "Rally in Tally." It is sponsored by Equality Florida, a GAy and Lesbian political action group, who now tells us they are supporting all efforts to include Trans folk into thier quest for equal rights. I say "Bunk." I've heard this too many times. They remind me of the boy who shouted wolf too many times. I know a couple of transwomen who have bought into it, and are going to the State capitol to pester politicians. For years, Florida has been run by the GOP, and they are very radically right wing and mosly evangelical.
I say the whole effort is a waste of time, and I told them that. I think they'll be swept aside like so many flies at a picnic. I told them that local volunteerism is the way to gain what we want. I'd rather feed the homless and pick up litter than talk to politicians, I cannot relate to them. And, I can prove that we're much better off aligning oursleves with "straight" folk who are open minded, than any blurry vision of a GLBT "community". In Florida, it doesn't exist.
Nuff said.
Nickie, you're right about volunteerism at the local level. THis is where I believe changes will be made-from the bottom up.
Gennee